Shooter killed; 2 police offices injured, one critically
TRENTON — The Attorney General’s Office today released additional information about the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday, June 2, in Atlantic City. The civilian who died during the encounter was previously identified as Donald Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, 52, of Atlantic City.
According to the investigation, officers assigned to the Atlantic City Police Department SWAT Team, along with members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office SWAT Team, attempted to execute a search warrant at a residence on the 100-block of N. Florida Avenue. Upon arrival at the residence, officers observed that the front door was open. The door was then closed by an individual inside the residence. Officers announced themselves at the door and then used a mechanical device to breach the door.
As the door opened, Gardner, who was located inside the residence, fired multiple gunshots at the officers. One ACPD officer was struck in the helmet. A second ACPD officer, later identified as SWAT Sgt. Christian Ivanov, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. A third officer, Robert Reynolds of the ACPD, who was not struck by gunfire, fired and struck Gardner. Gardner was subsequently pronounced deceased. A handgun was recovered from the residence. The two wounded officers were transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
The attorney general said the investigation is ongoing and no further information would be released at this time.
The officer protected by the helmet was treated and released from the hospital. Ivanov, a married father of three children, had surgery for life-threatening injuries to his leg, placed in the Intensive Care Unit, and is expected to recover. He remains in serious but stable condition.
A GoFundMe page has been set up and as of Friday morning has raised more than $209,000 toward a $300,000 goal to assist the family with his recovery.
According to the narrative on the GoFundMe page, Ivanov is a highly respected SWAT sergeant and a leader who has spent his career running toward danger when others are running away from it.
“He is known for his courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. But beyond the badge, Christian is so much more. He is a devoted husband to his wife and a loving father to three young children who are now facing an uncertain and difficult road ahead. He is a successful small business owner, a mentor, a friend, and the kind of person who is always willing to help others without hesitation.”
In a public statement on its Facebook page, the Atlantic City Police Department thanked the professionals at AtlantiCare and its trauma team for their quick medical care, along with community partners, clergy and residents who are keeping Ivanov and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you as well to our fellow law enforcement agencies and first responders who responded, assisted with the investigation, provided coverage, and checked on our officers and our department. The members of ACPD, along with our dispatchers, EMS, firefighters, and civilian staff, continue to support one another as a close knit family. Most of all, we thank the families of our injured officers for their strength and support during this difficult time.”
According to published reports, Gardner (Capriotti), who served 19 years of a 30-year sentence for the 1993 death of a friend when they were both 19, was previously shot by police in an incident in Egg Harbor Township in 2013 that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair.
“The fine men and women in blue of the Atlantic City Police Department put their lives on the line every day to protect our community, and I am grateful for their courage,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Jr. said in a statement. “We truly have the best police department in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with the two Atlantic City police officers who were wounded this afternoon, as well as their families, and the entire Atlantic City Police Department during this difficult time. We are hopeful for their full and speedy recovery.”
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